Go to Big Sky?

[EMB Jockey]

I have a question for all of you out their. I currently work as an FO flying an embraer 145. I've been here for a year and a half and have a LONG way to go to upgrade. I've been offered a street captain position with Big Sky Airlines flying their new delta connection routes in Boston on the Beech 1900D. Would any of you do this? Would you leave your realtively stable job for the unknown? Is PIC time all that we make it? I do believe that their will be hiring at the majors in the next couple of years and I would like to be a part of that. Would you wait to upgrade at your current regional or would you jump at the PIC time? Any honest advice would be greatly appreciated!!

 

[JDREsquire1224]

So you better understand, let me kick this old school.

Uhh, uh-huh, yeah

It's all about the PIC time baby
It's all about the PIC time baby

Now... what y'all wanna do?
Wanna be ballers? Shot-callers?
Brawlers -- who be dippin in the Benz wit the spoilers...

I hope that cleared things up.

 

[ceo_of_the_sofa]

Go to Big Sky, just make sure you're up to snuff.

 

[captain dad]

I have a question for all of you out their. I currently work as an FO flying an embraer 145. I've been here for a year and a half and have a LONG way to go to upgrade. I've been offered a street captain position with Big Sky Airlines flying their new delta connection routes in Boston on the Beech 1900D. Would any of you do this? Would you leave your realtively stable job for the unknown? Is PIC time all that we make it? I do believe that their will be hiring at the majors in the next couple of years and I would like to be a part of that. Would you wait to upgrade at your current regional or would you jump at the PIC time? Any honest advice would be greatly appreciated!!

If you really want to play the game and take it in the tail for a few years to get time and PIC. You have to realize that the actions you take now may reflect on you later. Not a big deal to me but something to consider.

Also if all these airline takeovers and mergers go through, which they probably will, there will be extensive layoffs at several of the legacy carriers. Do some reading and you'll find that ALL execs. at ALL the majors say there is a surplus in aircraft and routes flown. Too many seat miles and not enough demand. That is what causes mergers, too much competition and not enough people or money to go arround.

So what does this mean? Yes you need PIC and Time to be competative.
You also need quality time and larger aircraft time (bigger than 12,500 lbs) to be even more competative.

You may want to think about quality of life for the next several years. You always have to think that your next job may be your last. So you better be happy where you are just in case you get stuck there for a few years. Which I think you will.

Personally, I would rather power staple my head to a burning building than work at Big Scare. For others it is there dream job. Each his or her own.
Just food for thaught.

Good Luck.

 

[rtmcfi]

Where do you want to live? Will you live in BOS? If so, Get to Big Sky pronto!

 

[BOHICAgain]

Is Boston Home for you???

Do u commute now??

Is it a for sure that you will be a captain

 

[Tram]

Is BOS going to be the base?

A friend of mine just interviewed there for a CA position, and I am thinking about doing the same thing..

 

[Clark]

Confirmed... BOS is going to be the domicile. Moving there April 1.

 

[⌐⌐⌐⌐⌐]

Pic! Pic!! Pic!!! Pic!!!! Pic!!!!! - Did I Mention Pic?!?!?!?!?!

EMB Jockey – hmm, how do I put it? Duh??? Maybe? LOL

Just kidding, however ask yourself this: are you OK staying at your current airline until you upgrade PLUS at least two more years (so you get 1,000+ hours of PIC time)???

Ask that question because IT IS the reality – you will NOT move on anywhere else (except lateral moves maybe) UNLESS you have PIC time.
I don’t care if you are an FO on the space shuttle - that time is still pretty much worthless to most recruiters out there. They’d rather see you "command" a Duchess in a scheduled part 121 services for Dumpster Express than "ride" as an FO for NASA Express. Of course, I’m exaggerating to make a point.

If you want to speed up your transition to the majors – always pick PIC time!

I’ll even say – don’t worry about your “quality of life”, commuting, etc. Live in a crashpad with 30 other guys if you have to until you get the 1,000+PIC, then worry about your QOL issues. Think about how many application windows are open right now that you cannot apply to because you do not meet the minimums? FedEx, SWA, UPS and some others come to mind. Remember - once “in the system” you can always update – if the window is closed – there’s not much you can do.

So again, getting the PIC should be your priority, once you do - then worry about getting a "relatively stable” job, etc, etc. Just my worthless ½ ¢. Good luck!

 

[AftCG182]

Just make sure that your flying skills are up to snuff. The Beech is a real man's airplane. No automation, and the weather's always crappy here in the northeast.

 

[70-SS]

Just make sure that your flying skills are up to snuff. The Beech is a real man's airplane. No automation, and the weather's always crappy here in the northeast.

Nicely said, Bos is a blast with the Beech. ILS 15R circle to land 4L is the best. Always PIC the PIC. Beech Max Gross WT. 17,120 or somewhere near that. Maybe 17,230.

 

[Prop2Jet]

There are no short cuts in life. Stay put get your time and then move on. This will be a bad move in the long run I would think since you are job hopping chasing the dream. Seriously, good things come to those who wait. Also, a 1900d? Can we say 12 legs a day with poor pay?

 

[8HourPilot]

What this guy said....

There are no short cuts in life. Stay put get your time and then move on. This will be a bad move in the long run I would think since you are job hopping chasing the dream. Seriously, good things come to those who wait. Also, a 1900d? Can we say 12 legs a day with poor pay?

 

[Muppets]

What is this world coming to.....a jet guy wants to come slug it out with us prop cats. The funniest part has got to be watching a RJ FO go back to basics...personally I dont know EMB Jockey, but after A/P all day..400'-on/400'off you better be ready IFR wise. The Beech is very unforgiving...just you and the control column..no A/P. I have friends on the jet and they are blown away that I do full procedure everyday (not many NDBs though). If you went to the RJ as an FO with low actual instrument time...I would be concerned about being a PIC on the Beech.

 

[Tram]

Just make sure that your flying skills are up to snuff. The Beech is a real man's airplane. No automation, and the weather's always crappy here in the northeast.

So it's alot like the JetScream eh?

 

[cale42]

As someone who has spent the last 3 months flying the Northeast routes in the 1900 that Big Sky will be taking over I second what everyone says about being GOOD instrument current.

The 1900 is an extremely capable plane that can cover up a lot of mistakes.. but you can get yourself in trouble with it fast. When your hand flying it and they've got you coming down the ILS with 190 to the marker it takes about 2 seconds of not scanning before your localizer and glideslope go kaput.

Also.. a lot of those airports you are going to be flying into are one runway thats 5000x100 with little to no real snow removal equipment. One good storm and you will have braking action poor on the runways and nil on the taxiways for 2 weeks. I can't tell you how exciting it is to land a runway that is being generously called braking action poor with a 25 knot crosswind after you broke out 50 feet above mda on a VOR-A approach.

I quote a 1900 captain.. "Every single time I fly into MSS in the winter I honestly fear for my certificates."

The PIC time is invaluable.. just make sure you really understand what your getting into.

cale

 

[Ridgeback]

Since when does getting 1000 pic get you a job at FEDEX, SWA, Ect. This poor guy will think that's all it takes.

I would consider getting STUCK in the 1900 for who knows how long. Just think one violation in that 17,000 lb monster and your a B1900 Captain for life, as the Mesaba scope letter is going to guarentee you;ll never fly anything bigger.

I'd stay put.

 

[ERJFO]

So what does this mean? Yes you need PIC and Time to be competative.You also need quality time and larger aircraft time (bigger than 12,500 lbs) to be even more competative.

Good thing the 1900 grosses out at 17,120...

 

[Tram]

It's crazy to see the advice you get on these boards..

It's all someone's opinion.. and we all know what opinions are like..

 

[AftCG182]

Another thing that you should consider is pay vs. cost of living. Boston...love it or hate it, there's no denying that it's EXPENSIVE. Check on their reserve-show time allowance is, find out how far outside of Boston you can live, check the rent in areas within that distance. Maybe that will help you decide. 1000 PIC in a 17,120 airplane will get your resume accepted at some pretty decent nationals/majors.

 

[Prop2Jet]

Make it clear; I am not knocking 1900 guys or Big Sky. I think the airplane rocks and I wishI had a chance to start my 121 flying in it. Flyhiel !

 

[han_solo]

I thought B1900 is very very very easy airplane to fly compared to J31s.

 

[Mr Wu]

EMB Jockey, you are hearing people's own personal reasons why they would pick one or the other. Your circumstances are probably a lot different from their's. You didn't say where you are flying the EMB or where you are based. If you are flying for CHQ and a year and a half in, I would say stay. Upgrade is closer than you think. If you are flying for Eagle and already based in BOS, then run as fast as you can to Big Sky. You know the airport, the area and the cost of living already. Big Sky are offering the street captains in BOS $38.50/hr to start. If you get in early enough, you won't have to sit reserve. You can get a 2 bedroom in East Boston, Chelsea, Revere, or Winthrop which will be close to the T for about $1000/month as a crashpad. The cost of living is not that high aside from the housing cost.

 

[Shrek]

Just make sure that your flying skills are up to snuff. The Beech is a real man's airplane. No automation, and the weather's always crappy here in the northeast.

You are kidding right........it is a King Air on steroids.........

Come back when you have some time in the JS31 and then we can talk about.. up to snuff....LOL

 

[Tram]

You are kidding right........it is a King Air on steroids.........

Come back when you have some time in the JS31 and then we can talk about.. up to snuff....LOL

Hehehe.. Now there's a good answer..

 

[B-J-J Fighter]

I wouldn't say the Beech is unforgiving, I remember it just the other way around. It will develop your stick and rudder skills as well.

 

[EDUC8-or]

Anybody know if the trips are out and backs or 4 days? I'm assuming Big Sky isn't in CASS as well, is that correct?

 

[EDUC8-or]

Couple more questions: Are you paid while in training? Will they pay for your hotel while in training? Do they provide transportation to/from training?

 

[freighthumper]

The Beech is very unforgiving...just you and the control column..no A/P.

Thats the first time I have ever heard a 1900 called very unforgiving...

 

[xjlifer]

The Sewertube was also a "Mans" airplane....all it really does is sharpen up your scan. Then when you move on to a glass cockpit you realize you never want to do that crap again. Better to let the guys who want to brag about how good they are do that flying.